Domaine Henri Giraud – Seeking Perfection In Champagne – Meet The Winemaker

Join us on a captivating journey into the world of Champagne as we delve into Domaine Henri Giraud. In this movie, we uncover the relentless pursuit of perfection and the artistry behind crafting exceptional Champagnes.

Henri Giraud is currently one of the hottest names in the champagne industry, and today we have the privilege of visiting their extraordinary cellars. Accompanied by Sébastian Le Golvet, Cellar Master of the Year, and the new President Emmanuelle Giraud, we embark on an unforgettable tasting experience of their remarkable Champagnes.

With a personal connection spanning 25 years, we meet a dedicated team that works tirelessly to uphold the legacy. Claude Giraud, who defied convention and pushed against the trends of the Champagne region, uncovered the potential of Domaine Henri Giraud.

In an era when small oak barrels were abandoned in favor of industrial methods, Claude’s passion for barrels and their significance led him to explore the historic forest of Argonne. Through extensive experimentation and patience, they unraveled the secrets hidden within the different soils.

The forest of Argonne, originally planted for ship mast production under Louis XIV, holds the key to their exceptional barrels. The tightly grown oaks on the gaize soil, rich in silica and refractory properties, result in slow growth and knot-free wood essential for crafting impeccable barrels.

As we witness the magic unfold, we realize the forest of Argonne’s historical significance as the primary source of wood for the entire Champagne region before the 1950s. The forest’s unique soil composition played a crucial role in shaping the flavors and characteristics of Henri Giraud’s Champagnes.

To honor their craftsmanship, we witness the intricate process of opening a bottle from Argonne. With a gilded “L’agrafe,” ensuring no rusting, and a specially designed “degrapheur” made from the domain’s old barrels, the moment becomes akin to a symbolic union between Henri Giraud’s wines and the forest of Argonne.

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Henri Giraud’s commitment to excellence, where the delicate relationship between wine and the forest intertwines. Discover the significance of using barrels and the realization that great wines are crafted in small quantities, all while experiencing the magical essence that emanates from this extraordinary domain.

Get ready for an extraordinary tale of passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection as the founder of RareWine Group Rasmus Nielsen, explore the captivating world of Henri Giraud and their exceptional Champagnes.

This portrait was filmed at Aÿ, Champagne (France), in March 2023.

About ‘Meet The Winemaker’
‘Meet The Winemaker’ is an independent documentary series produced by RareWine Group.
The aim is to give valuable insights into the art of winemaking at the forefront of the world’s most prestigious wine areas. The stories are told by the most significant persons in the wine industry who share their passion and love for wine.

‘Meet The Winemaker’ is not sponsored in any way by the portrayed producers and does not contain paid promotion or product placement.

More info, inquiries, and requests regarding ‘Meet The Winemaker’ must be directed to Lars Granat at [email protected] / rarewine.com